Made in the USA (Chicago): Hoohobbers

I thought I'd heard of all the great kids' stores in town (at the very least those within a 5 block radius of my house), but I found out today that I was wrong! I got wind of a store called Hoohobbers a couple of weeks ago, and today I stopped by to see what it was all about.

Hoohobbers opened a storefront about a year and a half ago at 1657 N. Elston. It's easy to miss - it's in an industrial-looking area with almost no foot traffic, and a small sign that you could easily miss while driving by. The interesting location is because this is where they actually manufacture their products. They've been in business since '81 and sell their merchandise mostly through other retail outlets. You may have seen some of their products in stores like Lazar's and Beautiful Beginnings.

They boast of their reputation for quality and uniqueness, the fact that they've never had any products recalled, and that all their great stuff is made right here in Chicago USA. They make kids' bedding, cribs and Moses baskets, rockers, lamps, ottomans, tables and chairs, baby bags, bibs and more.

Some of the more unusual that items I saw were the adorable soft fabric insulated lunch boxes, funky foldable monogrammed baby director chairs, and gorgeous infant rockers. The rockers are available in dozens of beautiful fabrics, making them appear somehow super soothing and comfortable. They make gorgeous Moses baskets - had I seen these before I committed to my plastic bassinet (which I did love), I might have considered this option!

They can even custom create their products for you using fabric that you choose. I'm thinking I might have them make one of their cute floor lamps for Mia in the extra fabric I have from her curtains!

They're having a sale now, and you can check back on ChicagoKids.com soon for a coupon code that I'll be posting. If you're looking for some really adorable, beautiful, non-gimmicky stuff, check out the store or the web site at www.hoohobbers.com.

On the web site, use coupon code "ChicagoKids09" for 15% off through April 30.

Lazar's Juvenile Furniture... I still have mine.

I can't possibly blog about great places for parents in Chicago without mentioning Lazar's Furniture in Lincolnwood. They've got a great selection of baby and kids' furniture, bedding, strollers, car seats, apparel, high chairs, gear and more. And if you're an eco-friendly mom, you'll love the great selection of green items, including organic mattresses, linens and clothing, FSC certified solid wood cribs, and PVC, phthalates and BPA-free baby bottles.

We shopped here before Mia was born, at which point I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. The salespeople who helped us on our various trips to the store were incredibly knowledgeable, and were clearly experts on the products. We ended up getting our car seat, stroller, convertible stroller, glider chair and lots of accessories here.

The thing that I still personally love the most about Lazar's is actually MY baby furniture. I'm talking about the furniture that I've had since I was a child in the very early 70s! My furniture set followed me from my parent's house to the various apartments I've had in Chicago, and it now occupies what I consider to be our very cozy guest room. I will say though, it doesn't seem like anyone really makes furniture quite like this set anymore, but it certainly did endear Lazar's to me in additional ways. Here it is, after all this time!